Background

The Sisters of St. Joseph were founded at Le Puy, France, around 1650, by Jean Pierre Medaille, S.J. and six women who wished to bring the love of God to people in need.

During the French Revolution most communities of Sisters were disbanded. However, in 1808, Mother St. John Fontbonne was requested to re-establish a branch of the Sisters at Lyons, France. Sisters of St. Joseph are found world-wide.

In 1836, several Sisters responded to a request of the Bishop of St. Louis, Missouri and came to North America.

The first Sisters of St. Joseph in Canada came to Toronto from Philadelphia, in the fall of 1851. By April 1852, three Sisters from this group went to Hamilton and were soon working in schools caring for the sick, the aged and orphans.

The congregation grew and became six autonomous congregations in Canada, forming today the Federation of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Canada. Sisters from the six congregations serve all across Canada and in many mission lands as well.

The Federation of The Sisters of St. Joseph of Canada

• The Sisters of St. Joseph of Hamilton
• The Sisters of St. Joseph of London
• The Sisters of St. Joseph of Peterborough
• The Sisters of St. Joseph of Pembroke
• The Sisters of St. Joseph of Sault Ste. Marie
• The Sisters of St. Joseph of Toronto

Today, Sisters of St. Joseph are involved in many ways of giving service to people. The diversity of ministries allows for the Sister to respond to needs, using her unique gifts, in consultation with the leadership of the congregation, and in response to the Spirit.

Federation of the Sisters of St. Joseph:
www.csjfederation.ca